I cut the chain to remove it and get off the original goop, gunk & dirt. Got her all cleaned up, and remounted, went to slip on one of my 520 master links and the dang thing won't go in. I pressed it in a little ways with a C clamp but it is super tight. Somethings not right.
Is the stock chain odd or what? It has 520 stamped right on it.
I haven't had this issue before.
Help

Pin diameter varies from brand to brand. Kawasaki offers a rivet type master link for the factory 520 chain, part # 92058-1102. Seems I went through this before. Are there any markings on the side plates of the chain you have? Like KMC, DID, etc?

******
“many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased”- Steinbeck, [I]"Travels with Charlie"
[/I]
[IMG]http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/KLR%20mechanical/04e28c5e.jpg[/IMG]

[FONT="Century Gothic"][I]Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith[/I] [/FONT]

They weren't offering a chain and sprocket kit for KLR's, it may be worth a phone call to find out if they can accommodate you needs now. The Primary Drive X ring chain has worked well for many people, as have the sprockets.

******
“many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased”- Steinbeck, [I]"Travels with Charlie"
[/I]
[IMG]http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/KLR%20mechanical/04e28c5e.jpg[/IMG]

[FONT="Century Gothic"][I]Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith[/I] [/FONT]

January 11, 2007
Here's a little "inside info" on X-rings...O-rings & standards too, for that matter.
I work for Tucker Rocky, a large distributor of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, etc.
One of our house (private) brands is Bikemaster Chain. Bikemaster is a "value line" brand, meaning good but not top quality, no-frills and made "off shore". That brand includes things like mirrors, turn signals, switches...lots of "bread & butter" things like that. Pricing is attractive.

Our Bikemaster chains are made by RK, one of the best in the business. They have one chain line that is made in Malaysia and is, um...not what you would usually prefer. But the RK chain that made their reputation is made in Japan...top quality, up there with DID, etc.

The Bikemaster/RK's are not the Malaysian chains as you might expect, they are Japan made and the same as the RK branded chains, but carry "value" pricing. Our "in the know" dealers often stock only Bikemaster and order other brands only if customers demand it. You can not get nickel or gold finish in the Bikemaster line.

I can get any of our half-dozen brands really cheap with my discount...RK, Tsubaki, DID, etc. but I always get Bikemaster. They added X-ring last year to the standard and O-ring. It's what most of our employees use for dirt & street. I will replace my 1050 Speed Triple DID with a Bikemaster when the time comes, and I already have a Bikemaster replacement for whatever is on the KLR.

Virtually any motorcycle shop will carry or can order Bikemaster for you.

May 26, 2011
Hey Tim -
Sorry, I've been out of town.
Sure, I still use & recommend BikeMaster chain.
What initially sold me on it was when I worked at Tucker Rocky, most of my dealers recommended it to their customers and used it on their own bikes.
It is (I believe) the best "bang for the buck" chain.
When I retired I stocked up on chain for my KLR and I could have bought DID, Tsubaki, RK and other premium chains real cheap, but I got BM X-ring.
It should come with both a rivet & clip master link and I'd get an extra clip link for the tool kit.
Any dealer with a Tucker Rocky account (virtually all of them) can order it for you. Tell them to put it on their regular order and you'll get free shipping. On a special (rush) order you will pay to ship.
Good luck,
Dave

For future reference: The stock 520 chain is not a normal 520 chain. The pin diameter is a hair bit smaller. I searched and tried different ML's and none fit.
So I just ordered a new gold plated Regina chain for a couple dollars more than the bikemaster. This will be my 3rd Regina and I've had great luck with them thus far.

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